The Japanese battery specialist GS Yuasa has decided to at least double its production capacities for lithium-ion batteries for use in hybrid vehicles. To this end, the company’s subsidiary Blue Energy is strengthening its production lines in Kyoto and building a second plant at the same location.
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The Japanese battery manufacturer GS Yuasa has developed a silicon-metal-based electrode which leads to a higher energy density and longer life cycles. It is said that the energy density can be tripled compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
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Toyota has now announced that it will enter into a number of collaborations in China to accelerate the development of its electric cars by 5 years and to ensure the supply of key components such as batteries. The new partners include CATL and BYD, among others.
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Boeing will work with Japanese companies, universities and the government to develop technologies for next-generation lightweight electric aircraft. Partners include GS Yuasa for battery development and Sinfonia Technology and Tamagawa Seiki for the aeroplane’s engines.
Read moreSame price, but twice the range? In 2020, Japanese battery specialist GS Yuasa wants to start serial production of new li-ion batteries that shall enable compact EVs to double their range. Their price is supposed to stay at the level of today’s battery prices. The cells are to be produced by Lithium Energy Japan, a JV of GS Yuasa and Mitsubishi, and to be offered to OEMs in Japan and Europe.
asia.nikkei.com
Hyundai subsidiary to open FC plant: In its new factory in Chungju, South Korean car supplier Hyundai Mobis is about to serial produce components for FCVs. According to the company, the annual output shall reach up to 3,000 powertrain fuel-cell complete (PFC) modules. Production kick-off is scheduled for September. As reported, Hyundai plans to launch a new H2 electric vehicle with 580 km range as early as next year.
koreabizwire.com
More efficient EV battery chargers: In the frame of a 2-year project, U.S. scientists have done research on how to make EV battery chargers more compact and efficient. Their result are two prototypes – one with GaN transistors and the other with SiC transistors. Both consist of a 7.2kW single-phase 240 VAC to 400 VDC power converter.
news.kettering.edu
Autonomous pods around Greenwich: As part of UK’s Gateway project driverless electric pods will be tested at the Greenwich peninsula in London in autumn. After a first public test in April, this project represents now the next trial phase, focussing on first and last mile transportation by connecting transport hubs with business, leisure and residential locations. The trial is one of several automated vehicle tests within the Gateway project, investigating public acceptance of automated vehicles within urban areas.
fleetnews.co.uk
Futuristic Chery: Auto China saw the introduction of the futuristic FV2030 concept from Chery. Camera pods have replaced the traditional side mirrors, and the company imagines a 3D holographic display to provide vehicle and infotainment information. The model features an electric powertrain, but no other details were given.
worldcarfars.com
Under investigation: Volvo is under investigation by Keller Rohrback L.L.P., who claims the company misled consumers about the electric-only economy of the XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, and suggests buyers paid extra for electric motors that didn’t perform as promised. Recent tests revealed that the vehicle only achieves 40-58% of the advertised electric range.
businesswire.com
Shanghai orders: GS Yuasa won an order from Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries to produce lithium-ion batteries. The LIM50EN-12 batteries and port AGVs will be installed, with a storage battery holding 1,800 cells. The batteries have several uses, including for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles – demand for which, GS Yuasa notes, is expanding.
gs-yuasa.com
Formula E Charge: Oxford-based automotive technology company Charge has been named the Official Electric Truck Partner of the FIA Formula E Championship. Charge will supply electric trucks for Formula E events around the world to be used in driver parades and logistics.
fiaformulae.com
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GS Yuasa and Bosch say they are on a “good path” to realise their battery technology by 2020. The battery will have double the energy density compared to today’s lithium cells. Bosch is also working on a new 48V-mild-hybrid system that will debut in a vehicle of a yet to be named European manufacturer this year.
autonews.com, greencarcongress.com
Silicon Valley e-bike: The Karmic Koben weighs only 16.3 kilos at a price of about 1,700 euros. After gathering 260,000 dollars on Kickstarter, the pedelec with Bafang motor is ready to go into production. At its core is a light battery (2kg) with 300 kWh capacity. Its cells can be replaced one by one.
elektrobike-online.com (in German), karmicbikes.com, ecomento.com (background)
High performance ultracaps: Skeleton Technologies has issued a new range of cylindrical ultracapacitors with graphene material. The have a specific power performance of up to 111 kW/kg and specific energy up to 9.6 Wh/kg – more than any other cylindrical cell ultracapacitors on the market.
greencarcongress.com
About 1.3 million dollars will be invested in a now launched e-mobility research programme by BMW and Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore). The quest for knowledge will be undertaken in the joint Future Mobility Research Lab. First objects under scrutiny: the i3 and i8.
bmwblog.com
NASA to fly electrically: The American space agency is working on what it calls the ‘distributed electric propulsion’ system which could eventually make the dream of flying electric cars come true. The technology is based on multiple small electrically driven propellers and said to be highly efficient. Testing is to start within two weeks and more details are to follow in less than a year.
dailypress.com, chinatopix.com
Tripled capacity? Japanese battery manufacturer GS Yuasa claims to have developed a Li-ion battery that bears three times the capacity of existing products thanks to a sulfur-based cathode. GS Yuasa plans to commercialise its new battery technology by 2020.
electric-vehiclenews.com, plugintoday.net
New anode material: Researchers at the Australian University of Wollongong have identified lead germanate-graphene nanosheets composites to make suitable anodes for Li-ion batteries. The composite anode prove superior in terms of capacity, cycling stability and rate capability.
greencarcongress.com
Kia Soul EV battery: The Korean carmaker issued a video explaining the inner workings of the Soul EV battery. It uses cells by SK Innovation which will soon be implemented in the Chevrolet Volt as well, according to Steve Kosowski, National Manager Kia Motors America.
youtube.com (video) via insideevs.com
Most clicked link on Monday was the BMW 2-series Active Tourer, which is said to become available as an all-wheel driven plug-in hybrid variant next year.
carmagazine.co.uk
German-Japanese battery joint venture: Lithium Energy and Power GmbH & Co. KG is the name of a new joint venture by Bosch, GS Yuasa and Mitsubishi. Established in Summer last year the enterprise has declared its ambitious goal to develop li-ion batteries with double the energy capacity of today’s technologies. The joint venture of which Bosch holds 50% of the stakes is based in Stuttgart, Germany and has already recruited 70 employees.
greencarcongress.com, automotiveworld.com, automotive-business-review.com
1.9 million Prius to be recalled: Toyota will have to recall all Prius hybrid models built between March 2009 and February 2014 worldwide, due to problems with software controlling the motor and hybrid function. Toyota will contact owners as soon as a software update is ready.
autoblog.com, greencarreports.com
All or nothing for early i3 buyers: In the first three months BMW USA will offer its electric car as ‘Launch Edition’ only. This leaves first buyers with no choice but to “opt-in” for all available add-ons, with only the REx being optional, which boosts the price from 41,350 up to 50,875 dollars.
insideevs.com, transportevolved.com
Toyota to increase production: Thanks to growing demand for its Yaris and Yaris hybrid, the Japanese carmaker will ramp up output at its plant near Valenciennes, France. Three-shift operations starting in June are set to increase annual production by 15% to 220,000 units.
just-auto.com, fr.reuters.com (In French)
Honda in Geneva: At the upcoming Motor Show in Switzerland, the carmaker will show its hydrogen concept FCEV as well as an updated NSX concept hybrid.
driving.ca, caradvice.com
